Opioid addiction has reached a crisis level in communities across the nation. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently launched their Rx Awareness campaign to bring attention to the dangers of prescription drug abuse. As part of the movement, they are featuring real-life stories of people personally affected by prescription opioid addiction.

Watch a few of their stories below. See more on the RX Awareness campaign website.

Opioid Addiction: Real Life Stories

Brenda shares her experiences with addiction to prescription opioids and the toll pain medication took on her life. Watch.

Mike became addicted to a prescription opioid and ended up leaving school and no longer playing college sports. At the time he “didn’t understand the dangers of the drug and was addicted after a matter of months.” Watch.

For more information about opioid overdoses go to CDC's overdose website.